Flowers aren’t the only things in bloom this season. If you need a sign to get the haircut you’ve always wanted or finally try some nail art, spring is the best time to refresh your look. Looking ahead at warmer weather (and hopefully your next tropical vacation), we asked six in-the-know BIPOC experts to share their must try beauty trends.
The Top Beauty Trends to Try This Spring, According to 6 BIPOC Beauty Experts
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Meet the Experts:
- Aurelia Edwards, founder and CEO of Nailstry and Apple Entrepreneur Camp for Black Founders and Developers alum
- Tamika Gibson, a licensed cosmetologist, wig extraordinaire and content creator
- Gisaura Laporte, make-up artist and hairstylist, Face of Sola at Sola Salon Studios
- Aisha Fatima Dozie, Founder + CEO of Bossy Cosmetics
- Priyanka Ganjoo, founder + CEO of Kulfi Beauty
- Niha and Shanzey Al-Amin, Co-founders of Zeyl Beauty
1. Blinged Out Nude Nails
The search for “3D nail art designs” have skyrocketed in the past month and this blinged out style is no exception. Use rhinestones, crystals or peals to add dimension to otherwise nude nails to take things from casual to glam in seconds. “It’s elegant and super easy to recreate,” says Edwards. “It’s also extremely versatile and transitions well for any occasion—from work to date night to weddings.”
Shop the Trend: Essie in Cliffhanger ($9); 4000 PCS Rhinestones and Pearls ($10); Starlight Nail Embellishment Set ($13); OPI in Dulce de Leche ($13); Auda B Beauty in Queen B ($18)
2. Dutch Braids
Whether you call it the dutch, pineapple or reverse French braid, this simple style is a quick ‘do to whip up this season. “With the weather heating up, the braids will keep you cool and cute at the same time,” says Gibson. To create the look, part your hair in three sections and start crossing each section under the another until you reach your desired length for the braid. Secure with a hair tie and viola. Gibson recommends using a gloss (or mousse) to tame frizz and smooth flyaways for a sleeker style.
Shop the Trend: Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Curl Activation Mousse ($9); Kenra Mousse ($19); Kenra Platinum Silkening Gloss ($23); Pattern Curl Gel ($25); Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse ($29)
3. Skinimalism
Say goodbye to your 10-step skincare routine and keep things simple for spring. “Since minimal makeup is preferred during the warmer months, transforming your skin to be glowing and healthy is just as important,” says Al-Amin. It’s time to bring it back to basics (i.e. cleanser, moisturizer and SPF) so your skin can breathe and not be weighed down by too many products.
Shop the Trend: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15; $12); La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser ($16; $13); EltaMD UV Clear Broad SPF 46 ($39); Bridal Glow Masque ($59)
4. Bright Eyeshadows
“Bright eyeshadows and glitters are everywhere right now. I am so obsessed with this trend because it allows you to come out of your comfort zone with colors,” says Laporte. If Euphoria taught us anything, it’s to get more experimental with our makeup instead of always defaulting to a smoky eye. Laporte suggests adding bright shades (like neon green or a pastel hue) to your entire lid or a shimmering glitter to your inner corners to really make your eyes pop this season.
Shop the Trend: Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Eyeshadow Palette ($15; $9); Morphe x Avani Gregg For the Bebs Artistry Palette ($30); Juvia's Place Culture Eyeshadow Palette ($36); Violet Voss Flamingo Pro Eyeshadow Palette ($45)
5. Bold Graphic French Nails
We’re putting a fun twist on the French manicure and getting bolder than ever with the classic design. “The negative space gives way to a clean base with an unexpected pop of color or nail art at the tip. It’s the perfect intermediary for the person who’s not ready to commit to full coverage nail art,” says Edwards. If you’re in the mood to try this look at home, Edwards tell us snazzy decals are the way to go.
Shop the Trend: Olive & June Feeling Groovy Nail Art Stickers ($8); French Nail Stickers ($8); Graffiti Fun Nail Art Stickers ($9); Inked By Dani Color Nail Art ($10); Dashing Diva Candy Villa Gel Art ($14);
6. Bob Haircuts
This face-framing style is the hottest hair trend of the season for a reason. “There are so many ways to [rock bobs]. You can do a middle part or side part, have loose curls or straight [locks],” explains Gibson. “It's also a great way to elevate your look. You can easily go from simple to edgy.” To keep things sleek, Gibson recommends investing a flat iron and a protective treatment.
Shop the Trend: CHI Infra Therma Protective Treatment ($17); Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream ($24); Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat and UV Protective Primer ($29); BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Ionic Straightening Iron ($155)
7. All Natural Mauve
With soft glam making its rounds this season, there’s no better shade to complete the “no makeup” look than mauve. The pale purple color (which features a balanced mix of grays and blues) is flattering across all skin tones. “It’s also a great lipstick color to pair with other spring fashion trends such as pastels or florals,” says Dozie. “I love the combination of a mauve lipstick and a shiny gloss on top. It’s the perfect soft glam look for any occasion.”
Shop the Trend: Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Courage ($20); Bossy Cosmetics Lipstick in Focused ($20); Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Pay Day ($25); Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick in Wild Rose ($28); Pat McGrath Lust Lip Gloss in Bronze Temptation ($28)
8. Jewel-toned Blue
But…if you’re ready to rock a bolder shade, look no further than blue. This eye-catching shade will be everywhere this season and we’ll continue to see it well into the hotter months. “Cue all the stunning blue outfits that Simone Ashley wore on Bridgerton season two,” says Ganjoo. “Jewel tones are a staple in South Asian wardrobes and complement our skin tones and undertones so well.” Try decorating your lid with a shimmering shade or trade in your classic black liner for a vibrant blue cat eye instead.
Shop the trend: Kajal Eyeliner in Rain Check ($20); Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Chaos ($22); KVD Super Pomade Eyeliner in Satellite Blue ($23); Fenty Beauty Flypencil Eyeliner in Sea About It ($23); About-Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint in Midnight Blue ($24)